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    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    Is the Pentagon Losing the War against Sex Crimes?

    Overturned sexual assault convictions and the head of Sexual Prevention for the Air Force’s groping a woman. Is it time for change in the Uniform Code of Military Justice?

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    By Warren Olney • May 13, 2013 • 34m Listen

    Generals have overturned sexual assault convictions — without giving a reason. The head of Sexual Prevention and Response for the Air Force was arrested for drunkenly groping a woman in a parking lot. t the White House last week, the Commander in Chief expressed support for soldiers who have been sexually assaulted. But there's evidence that such assaults are increasing and that victims have lost confidence in military justice, partly because of the chain of command. High-profile cases of commanders overturning court-martial convictions have members of Congress calling for change, but the Pentagon is concerned about a system of discipline based on the requirements of combat. We hear from a former Marine officer who was raped, a congresswoman who's calling for action and from skeptics who warn against moving too fast. Is it time for change in the Uniform Code of Military Justice?

    Banner image: Marine Corps Lt. Elle Helmer visits the Vietnam War Memorial in the investigative documentary The Invisible War. Photo: Cinedigm/Docurama Films

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

    • KCRW placeholder

      Kerry Cavanaugh

      editorial writer at the Los Angeles Times

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      Evan George

      Director of Content, News

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      Caitlin Shamberg

      KCRW

      NewsNationalPolitics
    Back to To the Point